By Jerry Cronan

Putting a backer plate in an inaccessible area

Here is how I fixed an unwanted hole in the transom of a foam-filled boat.

1. I drilled a ½” diameter hole on each side of the unwanted hole,then used a saber saw to connect the holes to form a slot.
2. Next, I cut 4mm thick plywood into a football-shaped backer plat that would fit through the slot the narrow way. I attached strings to the plate, coated it with epoxy then slipped it through the slot.
3. Using the strings, I turned the plate so that it covered the three holes and the slot. Reference marks on the plate helped me get it in the right position.

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